Tag Archives: Alternative

Columbia Mills ‘CCTV’ Album

Columbia Mills have released their highly anticipated sophomore album ‘CCTV’. 2019 saw the band release two singles from the album; ‘Strange Game’ and ‘Who Am I Supposed To Talk To Now?’ which garnered huge radio support here at Indie Buddie and in the UK including John Kennedy Radio X, RTE Radio 1, Ed Smith (Today FM) choosing the band as his Play Irish Artist of the week and ‘Recent and Decent’ on Today FM, Dan Hegartys (2FM) Track of The Week, and heavy rotation on Paul Mc Loones Today FM show, as well as heavy airplay across all national and regional radio stations. 2020 has already seen the release of ‘UNDERSTAND’ (31/01/20), the third single from ‘CCTV’ which also received huge radio support. 

With passion exuding from each melty, infectious melody, rich rhythmic progression and superb guitar lament ‘CCTV’ is quite the first rate body of work from Columbia Mills. These guys don’t pull punches, they give this album their all, entwining electronic elements into their alternative indie rock to create an album that holds you in animated suspense while the spinning sublime instrumentation, intricate layering and wonderful pacing intoxicate and invade your mind.

From the start this album is a whirlwind. The gripping heartfelt ‘Car Crash TV’ begins our breathtaking journey into the album. To be honest, I was totally consumed within this track’s melancholic tone, soft instrumental build and utterly beautiful, raw presentation. The twinkling ethereal guitars encase Fiachra Treacy’s warm emotive vocals in a wispy delicate coating as the track progresses to its more distorted electronic half. Like a masterful puppeteer Treacy’s vocals control the tone and ambiance of the tracks within this album. He has the power to pull tears from your eyes as he digs beneath the surface and unravels the listeners joy, pain and thrills and it is from here the tracks flourish from.

The band use synths and dizzying electronics to build the songs and ferment them into either a dazing dark crescendo like in ‘Car Crash TV’ or spiral into an intoxicating, dance-evoking whirl as in the infectious pulses of ‘Understand’. The synth elements within each track either flicker with tantalizing illumination providing sweet flirtatious moments between the rich indie backdrop or drape the songs in crashing twisting and asphyxiating soundscapes. 

‘Isolate’, ‘Who Am I Supposed To Talk To Now?’ and ‘The Greatest Love’ are a mesmerising display of artistic flair and proficient musicianship, evoking complex themes and emotions of lonliness, guilt and depression.

The band flood their tracks with emotive instrumentation as they surge smoky downcast atmospheres with lamenting pines or western- esque warm tones on guitar. The guitars soar and ooze rich textures and almost convey the characters within the tracks while braided beneath are rooted bass lines and pulsing drums. ‘You’re Not The Answer’, ‘Strange Game’, ‘Heart And Soul’ and ‘Trees’ convey this perfectly as Columbia Mills immerse striking earnest lyrics in time stopping soundscapes.

The lyrical content in this album is profoundly poetic. Lines like “You said watching you control yourself, Is like watching blood dry”, “Crawled through the shit of old romance” and “Or is it in the vacuum of the struggle Where our love always thrives”  shroud the album in dark times and griited struggles. Columbia Mills present these honest and gripping themes with outstanding elegance and grace. At times Treacy’s vocals are icy and almost matter of fact in his portrayal of these lyrics however he still manages to depict heart breaking emotion through his delivery.

Columbia Mills bring the album to a sublime end with ‘Mirror On The Front Seat’. The track blossoms superbly with glistening guitars and a brooding indie rock ballad -esque soundscape. It is beautifully crafted, lush in its intricacies yet simple in its approach. There is a warm country element to this track that evokes images of a dry desert night while the glistening airy guitar paints the sky an indigo hue. The loneliness and isolation is briefly lightened with warm instrumental builds while a sustained fuzz and steady beat trap tension beneath the emotive velvety vocals. Once again the band build the track allowing it to unravel for the dynamic thumping crescendo. It’s a spine tingling and utterly superb finale. 

There are so many textures, sounds and wonderful elements within ‘CCTV’. Columbia Mills are only on their second album and their maturity and ability to grasp your very soul with their tunes is so precise and powerful it is mesmerising. ‘CCTV’ is a moving, intoxicating album with solid musicianship. The listener beholds musical majesty, depth and a mystical quality which bewitches with every track. The bands layering and building of the songs is first rate and clean while the indie rock, electronic hybrid sound is seamless and exquisite. This is a band you need to know, they have achieved so much with ‘CCTV’. It is exciting to imagine what Columbia Mills will release next

Stream ‘CCTV’ below 


Author : Danu

Keywest Release ‘Ordinary Superhero’ Video Tribute For Healthcare Heroes

Keywest have come together with Heroes-Aid to put together a music video with frontline workers at its heart, to raise vital funds for our Healthcare Heroes. The music video for ‘Ordinary Superhero’ features medical professionals Dr Matthew O’Toole, Nurse Emma Coughlan, Paramedic Steven Mangan and his daughter Saoirse. Heroes-Aid.com is the brainchild of Mary Leahy, Public Health Nurse & National Coordinator for Nurse/Midwife Safety, Health, & Welfare Reps and Damien Nee, a member of Covid-19 Expert Advisory Group The initial aim of Heroes-Aid is to raise funds through gofundme to provide practical support such as PPE and other resources to keep our healthcare heroes safe as they care for us. The fund also intends to provide longer-term psychological, educational and practical support for frontline healthcare workers, their children and families who have been negatively impacted by Covid-19.

‘Ordinary Superhero’ is an emotive passionate ballad as Keywest present their rich full bodied sound through this motivational tender number. With twinkling keys innocently wandering through a progressive backdrop the band evoke a sense of strength and resilience. With a cinematic crescendo and catchy chorus ‘Ordinary Superhero’ is that motivating anthem to rally the country together, making it the perfect track to support frontline workers. 

Speaking about ‘Ordinary Superhero’ Kav of Keywest said: “We are honoured to be able to contribute in any way we can. It’s an achievement if we can move people to understand and empathise with what our frontline heroes face on a daily basis. It’s even better if we can remind a healthcare worker that we are thinking of them and what they are doing for us. And it’s amazing if we can help raise funds to protect them while they are exposed to covid-19.”

Speaking about the release of the Video and the launch of Heroes-Aid, Doug Leddin said “This Moving song & video uniquely captures the Fears and Emotions of Health Care Workers as they bravely go to work every day”

You can donate to Heroes-Aid here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/heroesaid

Find out more about Heroes-Aid here: https://www.heroes-aid.com/

Watch the video for ‘Ordinary Superhero’ below 


Author : Danu

Train Room ‘Hurricane Of Love’

Train Room has released his new single ‘Hurricane Of Love’. Train Room is the brainchild of Co Mayo songwriter, musician and producer Joe Monaghan. He recorded the new single in recent Isolation. The song ‘ Hurricane of Love’ was recorded on St Patricks day in Mayo and mastered by Aidan Foley. 

With its lo-fi hazy atmosphere, driving bassline and retro organ elements, ‘Hurricane Of Love’ displays the tightly weaved musicianship of Train Room. Warm jangly guitar drifts through the bouncy upbeat soundscape as Monaghan builds and layers the song superbly. The chiming keys teamed with the steady beat and smooth vocals create a psychedelic sedative effect that wisps with a soft feathery lightness and elastic buoyancy as the song glides to its catchy chorus. With the infectious bass groove and humid guitars adding an indie punch, Monaghan has crafted one mesmerising addictive gem. 

Stream ‘Hurricane Of Love’ below 

https://soundcloud.com/joe-monaghan-2/hurricane-of-love-master-version


Author : Danu

Rain ‘Punk Nakka’ and ‘Gemma Rose’

Rain have released two new singles ‘Punk Nakka’ and ‘Gemma Rose’. Rain are a four piece band from Newcastle. The band consists of Patrick Ashurst on Vocals and rhythm guitar, Luke Anderson on lead guitar, Lexxie Liddle on Bass and Ben Mitchell on Drums. 

With a vibrant indie soundscape, infectious bass and smooth melody ‘Punk Nakka’ is saturated in Rain’s jaunty musicianship. The track drives freely upon an elastic bassline while the punchy drums pack oodles of might into the songs brawny backbone.There is a melancholic hue staining the melody while raspy vocals coo over the dynamic instrumental backdrop. It’s an anthemic indie dazzler as Rain flesh out their brand of indie rock with earnest songwriting.

The band roll out a swaying sweet number with ‘Gemma Rose’. Jangly guitars lament behind a spongy beat while the sweet melody creates a delicate almost doo wop bounce as the band inject a sing along friendly chorus into this sombre toned ditty. The foot tapping rhythm, gentle guitar strums and soft chiming soundscapes create a light and dreamy atmosphere. ‘Gemma Rose’ is a mature, well crafted and emotive track that is sweet on the ears and charming to its very core.

Rain display musical growth with new tracks ‘Punk Nakka’ and ‘Gemma Rose’. The bands emotive musicianship is blossoming and getting more vibrant with each new release.

Stream ‘Punk Nakka’ and ‘Gemma Rose’ below 


Author : Danu

Event News – Jack West Takeover

Jack West will take over our Facbook and Instagram this Thursday at 9pm GMT for a live performance.

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/indiebuddie/

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/indie_buddie/

Influenced by rock and roll from a young age, New York alternative rock n’ roll artist Jack West taps into Nirvana, Neil Young and The Doors whilst he pays his own homage to rock and roll. He might be only 15 but he has amassed over 10,000 streams on his debut single, and joined Eddie Vedder on stage to perform to 30,000 in Nashville. Jack West is set to go far he recently released his new EP ‘Jack West – Live at Easy Street Records’.Recorded live and mixed by renowned producer Barrett Jones, the EP includes polished covers of ‘Sick Love’ by the Red Hot Chili Peppers and ‘Like a Stone’ by Audioslave as a tribute to the late Chris Cornell. The EP also includes his latest single ‘Bring the Records Back’ and perfectly captures the raw energy of Jack’s live performance. Judging from the EP this live takeover is going to be great.

You can stream the EP below


Author : Danu

In Earnest ‘Put Me Under’

Photo Credit : Soundcastle

Southend-on-Sea alternative indie trio In Earnest have released their debut single ‘Put Me Under’.Forming in early 2019, Sarah, Thomas and Toby were previously part of the band ‘Carousel’, a project which went on to perform at Cambridge Folk Festival, toured with The Oh Hello’s and embarked on an 8-date headline tour whilst gaining 100k+ Spotify streams on official playlists.

‘Put Me Under’ is an emotional delicate number richly layered to create an ethereal and tender listening experience as In Earnest use honest songwriting to tell their story of depression and loneliness. With warm finger picked acoustic guitar rushing through airy mystical twinkles on electric guitar, the track has a light sparkling soundscape. The trio build the song slowly as the guitar becomes more dreamy with wobbles of scintillation glistening through the dreamy atmosphere. The listener experiences a range of emotions as the band express themselves through soft emotive vocals, raw lyrics and a heart rushing crescendo. With delicate and wholesome musicianship, In Earnest’s songwriting is organic and compelling. 

Their debut single ‘Put Me Under’ is written from Sarah’s perspective. “I suffer from chronic anxiety and depression, to the point where I can’t hold down jobs or be left alone for too long. In my loneliness I am awash with negative thoughts. The song is about feeling overcome by an invisible illness, but knowing it’s a lot easier to cope in the company of a dog.” 

Stream ‘Put Me Under’ below 

https://soundcloud.com/inearnestband/put-me-under/s-nnLXw


Author : Danu

Munky ‘Closed Door Policy’

Artwork Credit :  Barra Carlin

Dublin’s disco-punks Munky have released their new single ‘Closed Door Policy’. For this new single the quartet teamed up once again with producer Dan Doherty (Fontaines D.C., Damien Dempsey, Somebody’s Child).2019 saw the band release their debut EP, tour Europe with the legendary Meat Puppets and release post-apocalyptic single Megaton.

Saturating their sound in a cool hazy shoegaze coating ‘Closed Door Policy’ shows strong growth in Munky. The quartet create a new dreamy and mellow texture within their sound as they brood and cultivate the track meticulously with funk flavoured bass lines and distilled shuffling drums which provides a slinky elastic texture that wobbles and warps the track’s underbelly.

Beautiful melodious guitars weave and twinkle while coiling around the infectious rhythmic bounce creating a wonderful sense of subtle tension within the ethereal airy soundscape. The band allow the guitars to elevate off the fluctuant bass and drum foundation before returning for the dynamic crescendo while Zac Stephenson’s soulful vocals caress the lamenting melody with a velvety croon, adding to the marshmallow bounce of the track. As the song progresses the sublime Toisín and Sinead McConville take to backing vocals to drive the track home. The massive crescendo packs oodles of punch as here we finally see the heavy vigor we know Munky for. The band have layered this track sublimely teasing and foreshadowing their powerful crescendo through light sprinklings and darker undertones to create a full bodied and utterly thrilling listening experience. 

About the track the band said:: ”The song was written about isolating oneself from others, for fear of overexposing yourself, for fear of growing stale”

Stream ‘Closed Door Policy’ below 


Author : Danu

Barefoot Magicians ‘Hangin’ On’ EP

Barefoot Magicians have released their new EP ‘Hangin’ On’.The band comprised of Dave Greene on harmonica and vocals, Graham Stewart on Guitars, Brian Steemers on drums & percussion, Paraic Carroll on Bass and Petra žižak on Keys & Mandolin formed in early 2017 after a recording session in Dublin’s prestigious Windmill Lane Studios.

Barefoot Magicians throws the listener a curve ball with ‘Hangin’ On’ as the EP takes everything we know from the band so far and turns it up a notch, augmenting the bands bluesy sound with new stylistic twitches. Doused in the groove rooted bluesy tonality this band does so well title track ‘Hangin’ On’ introduces the EP. The band present moany lyrical content with suave instrumentation and slinky arrangement to create a get up and dance catchy number. Punchy drums and groovy bass adorn the backdrop while the sleek guitars, warm harmonica blast and rich percussion adds a swanky flamboyance and irresistible upbeat vibe to the track. ‘We Can’t Give It Up’ is where the band showcase their versatility and genre bending sound. The heavier alternative rock backdrop and synth elements creates a dark, wispy and haunting atmosphere as Dave Greene lets loose over a lamentful melody. Here, he takes his usually powerful tone and smoothes it to intensify the spine chilling eerie soundscape. The heavy rawness of the guitars crash and jaggedly slice through the track with rough relentless stamina while the pining melody on harmonica sweetly contrasts the beefy backdrop with a light and almost innocent melodious refrain. ‘Get What You Want’ brings the EP to a close with a nimble and bombastic bass announcing the bands triumphant finale. Barefoot Magician’s ability to create a tight robust rhythmic backbone is impressive and is the perfect recipe to get a crowd up and dancing. Those thundering drum whacks, resounding bass and itchy percussion is the ignition to this band’s sound. They team this with shredding guitar flourishments, sultry licks, scorching solos, sweet harmonica and warm mandolin melodies to provide a rich tasty collection of tracks. 

Barefoot Magicians pack a lot of power into this well balanced three track EP. This band’s modern blues rock has charm, character and oodles of wonderful melodies and embellishments. They are building their sound superbly bringing what they achieved with their ‘The Awakening’ EP and fleshing it out, carving their own sound and brand meticulously to create something quite invigorating. 

Stream ‘Hangin’ On’ below 


Author : Danu

Worth A Listen – Bullet Girl

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Bullet Girl

 Photo Credit: Nicholas O’Donnell.

North Dublin post-punk band Bullet Girl have released their new single ‘Hatred’. A song about online trolls, it is particularly fitting right now. Bullet Girl are on an upwards trajectory. A seriously energetic live band, they blew the crowd away at TiLT in The Button Factory, run by 98fm’s John Barker (Totally Irish). On the back of this, Aiken Promotions asked them to support The Mystrines at Eastbound Dublin. This show has been postponed due to pandemic restrictions but is rescheduled to go ahead on Thursday, 24th September at The Workman’s Club, all things going well.

‘Hatred‘ is a potent punch of the hard hitting musicianship Bullet Girl do so well. These guys present a sound that oozes powerful, post punk battering with majestic flair. The wonderful intricacies within the track shows how refined Bullet Girl’s sound is. A relentless bass writhes its way through the songs dark underbelly while the pulverising drum throttles with vigor and adrenaline creating the perfect, beefy, floor shaking foundation. On top of this the slick flourishes on guitar soar and crash with a fierce uncompromising display of power and finesse. It’s a pure and raw number that explodes with the bands energetic soundscape. The frenetic vocals howl and rasp over the erupting instrumentation as the track builds to its dynamic and thrilling crescendo. This band’s ability to communicate their message through ruthless and mesmerising musicianship is impressive. ‘Hatred’ is a well crafted, invigorating call to arms against the online hatred inflicted by trolls. Once again Bullet Girl knock it out of the park.

Songwriter and lead guitarist Dylan Keenan says: “The song is a rally cry against the hatred that the internet age has conjured up; the ability of people to participate in hate speech under the cover of anonymity. Angry little soldiers with ideologies built on insecurity. When you see far-right political leaders gain support across the western world and hateful attacks against minorities and racial groups at both a local and global level becoming the norm, sometimes it does make you worry if the schoolyard bullies have won? This is not happening a million miles away, it’s happening right outside our door.”

Stream ‘Hatred’ below 


Author : Danu

Sun Mahshene ‘Contradictions and Tales of Fiction’ EP

Sun Mahshene, Ireland’s premier shoegaze / noise-rock band have released a new digital EP , ‘Contradictions and Tales of Fiction’. Coming off the back of a successful 2019, the EP contains two previously unreleased Sun Mahshene tracks along with their three critically acclaimed singles, Tales of Fiction, Leave This City and This Girl I Know. All tracks were recorded at Darklands Audio, Dublin and co-produced with Daniel Doherty (Fontaines DC, Vulpynes, Slyrydes, Damien Dempsey, Sombodys Child).

With psychedelic adrenaline-filled highs and fuzz fueled intensity smudged into sweet melodies and a thrilling wall of sound ‘Contradictions and Tales of Fiction’ is laced in Sun Mahshene’s first rate and exhilarating musicianship. The EP is the prismatic swirling home of ‘Tales of Fiction’, ‘Leave This City’ and ‘This Girl I Know’ – three sublime singles previously featured on Indie Buddie. The composition within these tracks are rich and thoughtful as dreamy melodies drift above a fizzing underbelly of dynamic, crashing and frenetic instrumentation.  It is easy to get lost in the layers of intricate wobbly guitars lines, rooted bass grooves and punchy drums as acid soaked distortion swirls prismatic facets of blinding scintillation between the effortless cool vocal delivery by Nathan Henderson.

The band warp, dazzle and bend genres with tracks like ‘Ride The Wave’. Opulent textures create a psych pop mirage through a heavy alternative sonic sheen while a moody grunge – esque melody floats lucidly over this dazing harsh backdrop as if aloof to the bubbling mania beneath. ‘Demons Gold’ closes the EP on a high. The band craft wonderful component parts to produce a mellowed gem brimming with intricacies. From the lamenting guitars weaving elegantly between thumping drums and shimmering keys the track maintains the band’s majestic intense sound with a level of grace and prowess only Sun Mahshene can do.

‘Contradictions and Tales of Fiction’ is an impressive display of musicianship from Sun Mahshene.Their ability to create implosive epic tunes which exude exquisite production is mesmerising.

Stream ‘Contradictions and Tales of Fiction’ below 


Author : Danu